Mascots, when properly deployed, can be a great asset to your business. Just ask the companies behind Mr. Peanut, the Energizer Bunny, or, most recently, the Aflac duck — these well-known characters have helped create brand awareness among consumers. 

According to Brad Taback, more than 300 competitors are operating in and around Pittsburgh. And, though he may not like the sheer number of his competitors, he thrives on the competition.

We asked our contractor advisory panel to weigh in on their most useful and effective tools used in the field. Here’s what they had to say.

There’s no doubt the connectivity of mobile devices has made our personal lives more convenient, but now they’re also helping make technicians more efficient, thanks to tool manufacturers developing wireless-enabled devices and test and measurement apps for download.

While some contractors are willing to equip technicians with the necessary tools, others require workers to purchase their own, which can be yet another burden for someone just starting out in the field.

The Owners’ Spotlight focused on senior management and featured main stage programs with a theme that carried forward from presentation to presentation.